WP Go Maps Vulnerability – Reflected Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6697 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: How do I know if my WP Go Maps plugin is vulnerable?

How do I know if my WP Go Maps plugin is vulnerable? Your site is vulnerable if you are running any version of WP Go Maps up to and including 9.0.28. To check your version, log into your WordPress dashboard and click on Plugins from the left-hand menu. Then scroll through the list to find WP Go Maps and check which version is listed. If you see version 9.0.28 or earlier, you should immediately update.

Q: Is this vulnerability being actively exploited right now?

Is this vulnerability being actively exploited right now? At the time of public disclosure on January 23rd, 2024, there was no evidence that this reflected cross-site scripting issue was being actively exploited in the wild. However, now that technical details are public, attackers may attempt to abuse the vulnerability against outdated WP Go Maps installations. So applying the patch should be considered very urgent.

Q: How serious is this vulnerability?

How serious is this vulnerability? The vulnerability has a CVSS severity score of 6.1 out of 10, making it a medium severity flaw. While not as critical as remote code execution, the ability to run scripts cross-site via user interaction does pose security risks. Attackers may leverage it to steal credentials, extract sensitive site data, or spread malware. So while medium severity, it still represents a real threat that website owners need to address.

Q: Can my site get hacked just because I am vulnerable?

Can my site get hacked just because I am vulnerable? The vulnerability requires a user to click on a specially crafted link for any attack to be triggered. However, through social engineering tactics like phishing emails, attackers can seek to fool users into clicking such malformed links. And from there, additional hacking activities may be possible. So keeping the plugin updated does add an important layer of protection.

Q: How urgent is it to update?

How urgent is it to update? Updating WP Go Maps should be treated as an urgent priority. Now that the technical details are public, malicious hackers may quickly attempt to scan for vulnerable sites to attack. Each day without the patch increases the odds of compromise. Owners should apply the 9.0.29 patch right away.

Q: Will updating impact my maps?

Will updating impact my maps? According to the plugin developer, updating to the latest fixed version will not disrupt existing maps or settings. It only applies a security patch to address this vulnerability. So patching is safe and seamless for properly configured installations. As always, having a current site backup is advised prior to any plugin updates just to be safe, however.

Q: How can users best stay on top of WordPress vulnerabilities?

How can users best stay on top of WordPress vulnerabilities? Subscribing to publisher security mailing lists, monitoring public disclosure channels like CVE databases, and leveraging firewalls and security plugins that check for vulnerable software can help users better track risks and updates. Automating the update process is also advised so patches roll out quickly and easily. Staying vigilant takes work but is necessary.

Q: What other steps can I take to secure my WP site?

What other steps can I take to secure my WP site? Some key fundamentals include hardening admin accounts with strong passwords, limiting and logging login attempts to block brute force attacks, minimizing unused plugins and limiting themes to reputable options, performing regular malware scans, and backing up site files and databases in case recovery is ever needed. Our blog covers additional ways to lock down sites.

Q: Should I consider alternatives to WP Go Maps?

Should I consider alternatives to WP Go Maps? The quick response of the WP Go Maps team to address this vulnerability is reassuring. However, if you have concerns, alternative WordPress maps plugins are available. Be aware that alternatives may also contain vulnerabilities, so staying updated across all plugins in use on your site remains critical regardless. There is no 100% guaranteed solution - just best practices to encourage better security.

By Your WP Guy | January 23, 2024

Plugin Name: WP Go Maps (formerly WP Google Maps)

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: wp-google-maps
Software Status: Active
Software Author: wpgmaps
Software Downloads: 22,527,179
Active Installs: 400,000
Last Updated: January 23, 2024
Patched Versions: 9.0.29
Affected Versions: <= 9.0.28

Vulnerability Details:

Name: WP Go Maps (formerly WP Google Maps) <= 9.0.28 - Reflected Cross-Site Scripting
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2023-6697
CVSS Score: 6.1 (Medium)
Publicly Published: January 23, 2024
Researcher: Nex Team
Description: The WP Go Maps (formerly WP Google Maps) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the map id parameter in all versions up to, and including, 9.0.28 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.

Summary:

The WP Go Maps plugin for WordPress has a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in versions up to and including 9.0.28 that could allow unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts. This vulnerability has been patched in version 9.0.29.

Detailed Overview:

The WP Go Maps plugin before version 9.0.29 does not properly sanitize or escape the map id parameter on affected pages. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript that will execute in a victim's browser when they visit a crafted link. For example, an attacker could send a link that when clicked, injects code to steal cookies or session information. This could lead to account compromise or other attacks. The vulnerability is fixed in version 9.0.29 through improved input validation and output encoding.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 9.0.29 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Compromise: Review browser logs and site files for unauthorized code injections or other malicious activities.
Consider Alternatives: While an update is available, consider alternative mapping plugins as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Enable automatic background updates in WordPress to ensure plugins stay updated.

Conclusion:

The quick response by WP Go Maps developers to address this vulnerability is reassuring. Users should ensure they are running version 9.0.29 or later to fully protect their sites. Prompt updates are key to staying secure.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/wp-google-maps

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/wp-google-maps/wp-go-maps-formerly-wp-google-maps-9028-reflected-cross-site-scripting

Detailed Report:

Keeping your WordPress website secure should be a top priority – allowing vulnerabilities to persist can put your entire site at risk. Unfortunately, the popular WP Go Maps plugin has a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in all versions up to and including 9.0.28. This vulnerability, dubbed CVE-2023-6697 with a severity rating of 6.1 out of 10, makes it possible for hackers to inject malicious code onto vulnerable websites.

About WP Go Maps:

WP Go Maps is an actively maintained and widely used WordPress plugin with over 22 million downloads and 400,000 active installs. It provides customized Google Maps functionality to websites. The plugin is developed by wpgmaps and the latest version prior to the vulnerability patch was version 9.0.28.

Details of the Vulnerability:

The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to inject arbitrary malicious JavaScript code into vulnerable WP Go Maps web pages. This occurs because the plugin fails to properly validate or encode user input from the map ID parameter. By tricking a user into clicking a specially crafted link, attackers can execute scripts in the victim's browser to steal session cookies, site data, or take other malicious actions.

Risks and Impacts:

This reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability puts WP Go Maps sites running v9.0.28 or earlier at risk of:

Account/Admin compromise through stolen credentials
Defaced or altered webpages
Injection of unwanted advertising or spam
Browser exploitation and further malware downloads

How to Patch:

The WP Go Maps team has addressed this vulnerability by releasing version 9.0.29. Users should immediately update to the latest patched release. Enabling auto-updates can also help prevent future vulnerabilities going unpatched.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

WP Go Maps has had over 10 previously disclosed vulnerabilities since October 2014, indicating multiple past security issues. This underscores the importance of prompt patching for plugin users.

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WP Go Maps Vulnerability – Reflected Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6697 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

How do I know if my WP Go Maps plugin is vulnerable?

Your site is vulnerable if you are running any version of WP Go Maps up to and including 9.0.28. To check your version, log into your WordPress dashboard and click on Plugins from the left-hand menu. Then scroll through the list to find WP Go Maps and check which version is listed. If you see version 9.0.28 or earlier, you should immediately update.

Is this vulnerability being actively exploited right now?

At the time of public disclosure on January 23rd, 2024, there was no evidence that this reflected cross-site scripting issue was being actively exploited in the wild. However, now that technical details are public, attackers may attempt to abuse the vulnerability against outdated WP Go Maps installations. So applying the patch should be considered very urgent.

How serious is this vulnerability?

The vulnerability has a CVSS severity score of 6.1 out of 10, making it a medium severity flaw. While not as critical as remote code execution, the ability to run scripts cross-site via user interaction does pose security risks. Attackers may leverage it to steal credentials, extract sensitive site data, or spread malware. So while medium severity, it still represents a real threat that website owners need to address.

Can my site get hacked just because I am vulnerable?

The vulnerability requires a user to click on a specially crafted link for any attack to be triggered. However, through social engineering tactics like phishing emails, attackers can seek to fool users into clicking such malformed links. And from there, additional hacking activities may be possible. So keeping the plugin updated does add an important layer of protection.

How urgent is it to update?

Will updating impact my maps?

According to the plugin developer, updating to the latest fixed version will not disrupt existing maps or settings. It only applies a security patch to address this vulnerability. So patching is safe and seamless for properly configured installations. As always, having a current site backup is advised prior to any plugin updates just to be safe, however.

How can users best stay on top of WordPress vulnerabilities?

Subscribing to publisher security mailing lists, monitoring public disclosure channels like CVE databases, and leveraging firewalls and security plugins that check for vulnerable software can help users better track risks and updates. Automating the update process is also advised so patches roll out quickly and easily. Staying vigilant takes work but is necessary.

What other steps can I take to secure my WP site?

Some key fundamentals include hardening admin accounts with strong passwords, limiting and logging login attempts to block brute force attacks, minimizing unused plugins and limiting themes to reputable options, performing regular malware scans, and backing up site files and databases in case recovery is ever needed. Our blog covers additional ways to lock down sites.

Should I consider alternatives to WP Go Maps?

The quick response of the WP Go Maps team to address this vulnerability is reassuring. However, if you have concerns, alternative WordPress maps plugins are available. Be aware that alternatives may also contain vulnerabilities, so staying updated across all plugins in use on your site remains critical regardless. There is no 100% guaranteed solution - just best practices to encourage better security.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2023-6697, hacker prevention, keep WordPress secure, Patch, Plugin Vulnerability, reflected XSS, secure site, Site Security, Update Plugin, vulnerability, Web Security, WordPress plugin, WP Go Maps